Redskins training camp 2017: Best position group

As the Washington Redskins look toward training camp in 2017, there is an optimism surrounding the team because of what many believe is an improved defense. For the past two years, the offense has been the team’s strength. But with some of the changes the front office made this offseason, is the best skill position group* on the team still on the offensive side of the ball?

Note the team’s first- and second-round draft picks, defensive end Jonathan Allen (2016 SEC Defensive Player of the Year) and linebacker Ryan Anderson (first-team All-SEC in 2016), both out of Alabama. These two could seriously impact the team if they can conquer the learning curve quickly enough to get onto the field on a regular basis.

The return of LB/pass rusher Junior Galette, the acquisition of veteran LB Zach Brown, the continued progress of Preston Smith and the dependable talents of Ryan Kerrigan — combined with the skills of the team’s draft selections — should improve the Redskins pass rush and run defense (both weaknesses last year) in 2017.

Washington also acquired veteran defensive back D.J. Swearinger from the Arizona Cardinals this past spring, and he brings an attitude and physicality to the safety position the Redskins have been missing for years.

Paired up with second-year player, Su’a Cravens (back at his more natural position), cornerbacks Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland, and slot corners Kendall Fuller and/or Desean Phillips, the secondary should be better in 2017.

On the pass-catching side of the ball, the 6-5 wide receiver Terrelle Pryor was brought in from the Cleveland Browns when DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon departed a few months back. How good Pryor is remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.

As well, 2016 first-round draft pick Josh Doctson is finally healthy, and he put on a show a few times during the Redskins recent minicamp with his smooth route running and long arms. The entire receiver group is taller than the Redskins have had recently, and this will change the look of the offense somewhat.

WR Jamison Crowder looks to have improved (which is amazing since he was already so good) and second-year undrafted free agent, the 6-3 Maurice Harris, turned some heads in wideout/DB drills this offseason. There are several free agents and rookies that will compete in training camp up until the first roster cuts are required.

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Tight end Jordan Reed was virtually unstoppable last season and he is still healthy. Veteran Vernon Davis’ presence provided the tight end group with an excellent one-two punch and the few times Reed was unavailable last year, there wasn’t much of a drop off in production. Niles Paul is back from IR and looked ready to go during offseason activities as is Derek Carrier. Carrier, 6-5, made a great play during drills recently and, on IR last year, he is motivated.

The running back group now has fourth-round draft pick Samaje Perine, and he has shown he can (and will) compete to get on the field this year. Last year’s starter, Rob Kelley, looked downright svelte at OTAs and minicamps (forget the “Fat Rob” nickname) and he competed hard. He wants to keep the starting job.

Veteran third-down running back Chris Thompson looks as good as ever and says he feels as good as he ever has as well. Former starting RB Matt Jones finally showed up for mandatory minicamp and says he wants to compete for his job. We will see.

The offensive line, should it stay together as it was in 2016, will continue to gel which can only improve it. To help with this, Assistant head/offensive line coach Bill Callahan has said he will provide additional tools and challenges to the group. The O-line was ranked seventh in the league by Pro Football Focus in 2016, which is not much of a surprise considering it has the best left tackle in the league amongst it.

With all the changes and question marks in the other position groups, the offensive line must be named the best unit going into training camp in 2017 (although doesn’t mean that will be the case by January).

*The QB group was not included since more than one is not on the field at any one time

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